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I would fill the gap with open source and personal projects that I have worked on. Include sufficient detail. Surely you've been doing something of technical in

I would fill the gap with open source and personal projects that I have worked on. Include sufficient detail. Surely you've been doing something of technical interest in this time. Mark it as self-employed. Good luck. If you don't have any, then start working on one now, preferably a challenging one, for which you can show impactful results, then go to step 1.

imissfirefox 2y ago
It’s not a given they were doing something related that could go on a resume. Could have been time off for parenting, caring for an ill family member, unable to legally work (for example living abroad for a partner’s education or work assignment), personal health problem/treatment, etc. For the community: What are some ways to support a person getting back into the field and avoiding discrimination against time out of work?
- OutOfHere 2y ago
  That's true. I think the simplest way back in is to accept a lower paying job as long as the work itself is at one's level, then use it as leverage to get back into the bigger game. For example, a remote senior engineer might normally expect 160k, but someone in the op's shoes might have to settle for 120k for the same role until there is more leverage. Also, a contract role may be easier to get than an FTE role.
- taurath 2y ago
  Give referrals and connections for referrals mainly. Walk them thru interview processes, help them brush up on skills, new advancements. Had to take 3 years for a health problem during which I mentally just couldn’t code. Still looking and now finally able to practice projects again; it is difficult!
silverquiet 2y ago
If I had a good chunk of time off, I would really prefer not to spend that time developing software. As it is, people have to pay me a good chunk of money to do that.
- wruza 2y ago
  So your employer prefers to save a good chunk of money cause you’re likely a little rusty.

imissfirefox 2y ago

It’s not a given they were doing something related that could go on a resume. Could have been time off for parenting, caring for an ill family member, unable to legally work (for example living abroad for a partner’s education or work assignment), personal health problem/treatment, etc. For the community: What are some ways to support a person getting back into the field and avoiding discrimination against time out of work?

OutOfHere 2y ago
That's true. I think the simplest way back in is to accept a lower paying job as long as the work itself is at one's level, then use it as leverage to get back into the bigger game. For example, a remote senior engineer might normally expect 160k, but someone in the op's shoes might have to settle for 120k for the same role until there is more leverage. Also, a contract role may be easier to get than an FTE role.
taurath 2y ago
Give referrals and connections for referrals mainly. Walk them thru interview processes, help them brush up on skills, new advancements. Had to take 3 years for a health problem during which I mentally just couldn’t code. Still looking and now finally able to practice projects again; it is difficult!

silverquiet 2y ago

If I had a good chunk of time off, I would really prefer not to spend that time developing software. As it is, people have to pay me a good chunk of money to do that.

wruza 2y ago
So your employer prefers to save a good chunk of money cause you’re likely a little rusty.